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Holon to establish autonomous shuttle manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Florida

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Holon, a manufacturer of autonomous, electric shuttles purpose-built to revolutionize shared mobility and sustainable transportation, says it is “poised to transform the future of transportation” with the launch of its first production plant for autonomous movers in Jacksonville, Florida.

This city unveiling was announced recently in collaboration with prominent Florida officials and key community stakeholders. Holon, a subsidiary of global automotive supplier Benteler Group, will be Florida’s first automotive vehicle manufacturer.

The approximately 500,000-square-foot facility will be constructed in Jacksonville, with completion expected in 2026. The developer for the project is VanTrust Real Estate. [Read more…] about Holon to establish autonomous shuttle manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Florida

Understanding Florida’s PIP Insurance: Orlando’s Personal Injury Protection Guide

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Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is an essential aspect of auto coverage in Florida, particularly for residents in Orlando.

Under Florida’s no-fault law, PIP insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.

Understanding PIP insurance empowers vehicle owners to effectively navigate the insurance landscape and ensure they have the necessary coverage to comply with Florida’s mandatory requirements. [Read more…] about Understanding Florida’s PIP Insurance: Orlando’s Personal Injury Protection Guide

Beep to provide autonomous shuttle for Florida State College in Jacksonville

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The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) have introduced autonomous vehicles on FSCJ’s downtown campus, making it the first college campus in the state of Florida to receive autonomous shuttles for students and visitors.

The initiative is in collaboration with Beep and Oxa.

Nat Ford, JTA CEO, says: “Our partnership with FSCJ and our industry partners Beep and Oxa, goes beyond merely deploying autonomous vehicles on campus – it marks a significant stride towards enhancing mobility in Jacksonville, making it more efficient and safer.

“This initiative is a testament to years of hard work and collaboration between the private and public sector, including the US Department of Transportation. [Read more…] about Beep to provide autonomous shuttle for Florida State College in Jacksonville

Robotics integrator RobotLAB brings growing robotics franchising network to Florida

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RobotLAB, the premier robotics integrator that has delivered impactful business innovations and solutions for more than 15 years, has proudly welcomed its first robotics integration franchise partners in Florida.

Felipe and Nidia Alvarez, husband-and-wife entrepreneurs from South Florida, have acquired exclusive RobotLAB franchising rights to the entire Fort Lauderdale territory, which encompasses more than 33,000 businesses and nearly 1.5 million residents.

Launched in 2023 to meet the growing demand for AI and robotics business solutions, RobotLAB’s first-of-its-kind robotics franchising program will increase access to automation and operational efficiency solutions like cleaning, delivery and customer service robots throughout Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Aventura, Florida, allowing businesses of all sizes to implement cost-saving robot technologies. [Read more…] about Robotics integrator RobotLAB brings growing robotics franchising network to Florida

Florida university opens Blendid robotic smoothie kiosk

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Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has opened an autonomous robotic smoothie kiosk from Blendid, a robotic food service solutions company.

Antoinette Biffar, FGCU, says: “There is no denying the current robotics evolution in the food service industry, and we are thrilled to work with Blendid to give FGCU students access to these innovative, proven food service solutions.

“Today’s college students crave more meal service offerings, especially when it comes to fresh, nutritious options they can order easily from their phone and grab on-the-go. We are looking forward to seeing how our campus community embraces the new kiosk.” [Read more…] about Florida university opens Blendid robotic smoothie kiosk

4Ocean robot cleans up Florida beach as part of startup’s mission to clean up the world’s oceans

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A robot built by 4Ocean is cleaning up Florida beach as part of the startup company’s mission to clean up the entire world’s oceans.

An ambitious mission for sure, and one for which the company admits “there is no playbook”, but 4Ocean has already collected 28 million pounds of trash from the plastic-polluted salty waters of the world and its program is just getting started.

The robot 4Ocean has supplied to Florida beach is called the BeBot, which collects things like cigarette butts, pieces of plastic and other trash, according to a report on the Fox Weather website. [Read more…] about 4Ocean robot cleans up Florida beach as part of startup’s mission to clean up the world’s oceans

Kodiak Robotics expands autonomous freight service to Florida with USPS partner

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Kodiak Robotics, a self-driving trucking company, has expanded its autonomous freight service to Florida with 10 Roads Express, a provider of time sensitive surface transportation for the US Postal Service.

To launch this partnership, Kodiak completed a round trip consisting of four commercial deliveries, including a coast-to-coast commercial run.

A Kodiak autonomous truck carried 10 Roads Express freight nearly 5,600 miles from San Antonio, Texas; to the San Francisco Bay Area; to Jacksonville, Florida; and back to San Antonio. The route was completed in just 114 hours. [Read more…] about Kodiak Robotics expands autonomous freight service to Florida with USPS partner

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority seeks volunteers to test connected vehicle technology

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Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is moving to the next stage in testing and implementing connected vehicle technology in Tampa with four auto manufacturers on board.

THEA is recruiting volunteer drivers who drive a Honda, Acura, Hyundai, Kia or Toyota for the THEA Connected Vehicle Pilot. This research project has the potential to improve driving safety in downtown Tampa and beyond. Eligible participating drivers receive up to a 30 percent rebate for tolls on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway.

In this phase, THEA expects to equip approximately 300 privately owned automobiles with connected vehicle technology by late 2022. Volunteers’ automobiles will be outfitted with devices that “talk” to other connected vehicles and to roadway infrastructure to help prevent crashes. [Read more…] about Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority seeks volunteers to test connected vehicle technology

Florida Automated Vehicles summit to be held in Orlando for first time

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From November 29th through December 1st, 2021, the Central Florida Expressway (CFX) will host the 9th Annual Florida Automated Vehicles (FAV) Summit in Orlando, Florida.

In recent years, this event has been a sellout. The 2021 FAV Summit will focus on ACES mobility. ACES is an acronym for the four rising stars of mobility – Automated, Connected, Electric and Shared.

CFX is this year’s host agency. The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA), TEAMFL, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) have worked throughout the year to bring this summit to Orlando. [Read more…] about Florida Automated Vehicles summit to be held in Orlando for first time

UPS to use drones to deliver medicines to retirement homes in Florida

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CVS Health Corporation and UPS subsidiary UPS Flight Forward will use drones to deliver prescription medicines from a CVS pharmacy to The Villages, Florida for the largest US retirement community, home to more than 135,000 residents.

The service will use Matternet’s M2 drone system.

Drone transport offers a fast delivery option for medicines that are time-sensitive, while supporting social-distancing efforts. Drone delivery options provide individuals with a convenient alternative to visiting a pharmacy. This program can also help prioritize the protection of healthcare workers. [Read more…] about UPS to use drones to deliver medicines to retirement homes in Florida